BANGKOK, 11 June 2024: Radisson Hotel Group introduces the Thai capital’s first Radisson RED hotel: Radisson RED Bangkok Sukhumvit 18.
The art-inspired lifestyle hotel will debut in the fourth quarter of 2025, following a reimagining and rebranding of the popular Park Plaza Bangkok Soi 18.
Upon opening in Q4 2025, Radisson RED Bangkok Sukhumvit 18 will feature 125 redesigned rooms, all equipped with ‘RED Beds’, power showers, and cutting-edge tech, including high-speed Wi-Fi and smart solutions.
Guests can chill out, check in on Instagram, and mingle with their fellow travellers at the hotel’s public spaces, all of which are fully connected. The fitness centre is ideal for workouts, and the rooftop pool and bar to kickback and relax.
The hotel has a prime location just a short distance from Asok BTS Skytrain and Sukhumvit MRT subway stations, putting the entire city within easy reach. Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre and Benchakitti Park are also close by (a short taxi ride).
As a testament to its strategic vision, Thailand remains one of Radisson Hotel Group’s key markets, with a robust portfolio of 14 hotels currently operating and under development.
SINGAPORE, 11 June 2024: The 2024 Pandaw photo competition will close for entries on 30 June, so do not miss the chance to showcase your photos and win travel vouchers for your future trips with Pandaw.
Submit your favourite photos that capture the essence of an expedition with Pandaw before the deadline. Details on how to enter and the prizes available can be found below.
How to enter
Simply email your high-resolution photographs, which must have been taken on any Pandaw Expedition, to [email protected] together with a caption summing up what the moment meant to you. Photos taken during the most recent 2023/24 season would be preferred, but there is no specific theme.
BANGKOK, 11 June 2024: Minor Hotels, a global hotel owner and operator, has announced the appointment of Gonzalo Aguilar as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas CEO from 1 January 2025.
Aguilar will replace current CEO Ramón Aragonés, who will retire and leave his chief executive role at the end of this year. Aragonés will remain a member of its Board of Directors and serve as Non-Executive Vice Chairman. Aguilar joins Minor Hotels Europe & Americas on 1 October to begin a three-month handover period with Aragonés.
Minor Hotels CEO and President of Minor Hotels Europe & Americas, Dillip Rajakarier, said in response to Aragonés’ retirement, “Ramón has dedicated his entire career to the hotel sector. Since joining the group, then known as NH Hotel Group, in 2009, he has been instrumental in transforming it into one of the leading hospitality groups in Europe and the Americas.”
Aguilar brings more than 30 years of industry experience to Minor Hotels. He will join Minor Hotels from Marriott, where he was Chief Operating Officer for EMEA.
DOHA, 11 June 2024: Qatar Airways joined Qatar Museums as a Headline Sponsor of the ‘Art for Tomorrow’ conference, which was hosted in Venice last week at the Palazzo Diedo, ahead of resuming flights to the floating city on 12 June 2024.
From the airline’s gateway, Hamad International Airport in Doha, travellers can fly directly to Venice to sample the city’s world-famous canals, squares, and palazzos.
Photo credit: Qatar.
The 2024 ‘Art for Tomorrow’ conference, organised by The Democracy & Culture Foundation, was themed ‘Imperfect Beauty.’ Multiple sessions moderated by New York Times journalists discussed how the arts can unite and heal, and prominent speakers included creator Philippe Starck, artists Giulia Andreani, Sean Scully, and John Akomfrah.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “I am honoured to join Qatar Museums as a proud Headline Sponsor of Art for Tomorrow, which celebrates our cultural heritage while protecting it for our future generations.”
He added: “We are also excited to resume daily services to Venice on 12 June, one of the world’s most iconic and popular destinations. This strategic expansion underlines our commitment to the European market.”
Qatar Airways currently flies to over 170 global destinations, and with the addition of Venice, will operate to three cities in Italy, including Milan and Rome.
KUALA LUMPUR, 11 June 2024: Trip.com Group has recently signed a Memorandum of Collaboration with Tourism Malaysia during the recent ITB China trade show to leverage Trip.com Group’s global resources to draw more Chinese and international visitors to Malaysia
The collaboration agreement was signed by Trip.com Group’s Vice President of Destination Marketing & Strategic Alliances, Edison Chen and Harley Travel CEO Eric Choy on behalf of Tourism Malaysia and witnessed by Director General Tourism Malaysia, Manoharan Periasamy and Trip.com Malaysia General Manager Stephane Thong.
From left to right: Manoharan Periasamy, Director General, Tourism Malaysia; Eric Choy, CEO, Harley Travel; Edison Chen, Vice President of Destination Marketing & Strategic Alliances, Trip.com Group; Stephane Thong, General Manager, Trip.com Malaysia.
Under this three-year Memorandum of Collaboration, both parties will expand their existing collaboration beyond China’s outbound travel market to the wider Asia Pacific region covered by the online travel agency.
The cooperation will focus on marketing and key product promotions, especially for hotels and attractions in Malaysia.
Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, Harley Travel will work with Trip.com and the Ministry of Tourism to promote tourism between Malaysia and China, taking advantage of the visa-free travel arrangement between both countries.
Trip.com Group vice president Edison Chan said: “Based on our data, Kota Kinabalu, Penang, Langkawi, and Semporna are among the most popular Malaysian cities for travellers globally, exemplifying Malaysia as a destination offering diverse tourism options. Tourism to Malaysia has picked up since the start of visa-free travel arrangements with China, but we believe there is still more we can do to enhance Malaysia’s profile as a key tourist destination. Trip.com Group is committed to helping Malaysia’s tourism industry grow in absolute numbers and in attracting quality tourists.”
Tourism Malaysia Director General Manoharan Periasamy said: “The signing of this partnership signifies another milestone in our close partnership with Trip.com Group. This expansion of our agreement to cover the whole of Asia Pacific shows how successful it has been, and we are excited to work together to enhance our tourism promotion efforts to other regional markets and show travellers what Malaysia has to offer.”
Tourism Malaysia recently unveiled its strategic roadmap for ‘Visit Malaysia 2026,’ which aims to attract 35.6 million international tourist arrivals and MYR147.1 billion in tourist expenditures. Key initiatives detailed include branding and marketing, strategic partnerships for joint promotions or tactical campaigns, and market segmentation.
According to Trip.com Group’s data, Malaysia is one of the most popular destinations for Chinese tourists. During the Labour Day holiday, Tawau — home to the world’s third largest cocoa-producing area and offering both land and sea experiences — was among the top five most popular Malaysian cities for Chinese travellers.
HANOI, 11 June 2024: Vietjet Air inaugurated direct flights from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, to Melbourne and Sydney in Australia last week.
The Hanoi-Melbourne flights started on 6 June and are scheduled twice weekly on Monday and Friday, while the Hanoi-Sydney flights launched two days later on 8 June fly every Wednesday and Saturday. Both services will use the 377-seat A330-300 (12 business and 365 economy) for the 10-hour 35-minute flight.
Vietjet Vice President Nguyen Thi Thuy Binh commented: “Since Vietjet’s first flight to Australia in April 2023, we have continuously expanded our network connecting the five largest cities in Australia, comprising Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide with Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam.
“The launching of the Hanoi-Melbourne route on 6 June and Hanoi-Sydney on 8 June further proves our commitment to expanding our network and providing quality services between Australia and Vietnam.”
Following the two new routes from Hanoi to Melbourne and Sydney, the airline operates 58 flights weekly between Vietnam and Australia.
On the Hanoi-Melbourne route, the flight departs Hanoi at 1710 on Monday and Friday and arrives in Melbourne at 0600 the following morning. The return flight departs Melbourne on Tuesday and Saturday at 0730 and arrives in Hanoi at 1400.
Vietjet Air’s flight from Hanoi to Sydney departs Wednesday and Saturday at 1710 (local time) and arrives in Sydney at 0600 the following day (local time). The flight from Sydney to Hanoi depart on Thursday and Sunday at 0830 (local time) and arrives in Hanoi at 1600 on the same day (local time).
Vietjet Air has expanded its services to Australia since last year, flying from Ho Chi Minh City to Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne.
BANGKOK, 10 June 2024: Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has signed a partnership agreement with VillaCarte Group, a Phuket-based real estate development company, to manage a dual-branded luxury hotel and apartment complex at the heart of VillaCarte’s highly anticipated Layan Verde Project on the west coast of Phuket.
Located just 800 metres from Bang Tao Beach, where Dusit has operated the renowned Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket resort for over 30 years, Layan Verde spans over 108,000 square metres and comprises 15 mid-rise buildings carefully designed by architect Mohammed Adi, Chief Design Officer of Dewan Architects + Engineers, to integrate with its natural surroundings seamlessly.
Set over five buildings comprising 398 rooms, the Dusit Collection – Layan Verde hotel is the first property to be signed under Dusit’s new luxury Dusit Collection brand. This brand applies to luxury hotels in iconic destinations with unique stories to tell, distinguished by their unique architecture, tasteful design, and distinctive guest experience.
Dusit will also manage five additional buildings comprising 388 rooms under Dusit Residences — Layan Verde. The Dusit Residences brand leverages Dusit’s rich experience operating luxury hotels and resorts in key destinations around the globe to bring the same five-star service to residents of luxury condominiums and apartments.
Alongside Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, guests and residents of Dusit Collection and Dusit Residences Layan Verde will enjoy a range of premium lifestyle facilities, including an all-day dining restaurant, a fitness centre, a swimming pool, a kids club, a rooftop bar, and expansive banqueting space.
A winning partnership: Executives from Dusit International and VillaCarte Group signed the partnership agreement at an exclusive event in Phuket. Pictured (from left): Mr Maxim Spiridonov, Co-CEO, VillaCarte Group; Mr Vadym Bukhkalov, Co-CEO, VillaCarte Group; Mr Siradej Donavanik, Vice President – Global Development, Dusit International; Mr Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International.
Beautifully landscaped and created to elevate luxury residential offerings in the region, the project will also encompass a shopping centre and an ocean club. All components, including the hotel and residences, are slated to open in 2027.
Reflecting VillaCarte Group’s vision for sustainable real estate development, as well as Dusit’s commitment to having a positive impact wherever the company sets foot, the entire project follows the concept of Biophilic Architecture with a focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, inspiration from nature, and environmental conservation.
In keeping with this philosophy, the hotel and apartment interiors will be finished with eco-friendly, moisture-resistant materials complemented by premium, high-quality furniture. Advanced EDGE-certified technology will be implemented to decrease water and electricity consumption by up to 45%.
“Our partnership with VillaCarte Group represents a unique opportunity to redefine luxury residential living in Phuket,” said Dusit International Vice President – Global Development, Siradej Donavanik. “By combining Layan Verde’s stunning location and commitment to sustainable design with Dusit’s over 75 years of experience in Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, we will create a truly world-class offering that caters to the discerning needs of locals, residents, guests, and investors alike. This project perfectly complements our existing Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket resort and further strengthens our commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences in Phuket.”
VillaCarte Group Co-CEO Maxim Spiridonov said: “Dusit International is renowned for its gracious hospitality and expanding network of properties worldwide. Collaborating with the company is the first step in our strategy of partnering with reputable global brands, and we are confident Dusit’s expertise will help elevate Layan Verde to the level of a landmark project and an iconic symbol of Phuket.”
VillaCarte Group Co-CEO Vadym Bukhkalov added: “Alongside Dusit’s renowned five-star standards of service and a growing global portfolio of Dusit Hotels and Resorts, we were also impressed by the size and scale of the upcoming Dusit Central Park project in Bangkok. Its design, seamlessly integrating a luxury hotel and residences with sustainable features like a public roof park, aligns perfectly with our own commitment to creating a harmonious blend of nature and contemporary luxury at Layan Verde. This shared passion for sustainability is the cornerstone of our exciting and promising partnership with Dusit. We’re confident it will be a long-term collaboration with meaningful success.”
Dusit’s portfolio now includes 301 properties operating across 18 countries, including 57 properties operating under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and 244 luxury villas under Elite Havens, the leading provider of luxury villa rentals in Asia, which Dusit acquired in September 2018. More than 60 Dusit Hotels and Resorts are in the pipeline. For more information, visit dusit-international.com
KOTA KINABALU, Sabah, 10 June 2024: The International Wholistic Wellness Conference & Exhibition (IWWCE) was hosted in the picturesque city of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, bringing together 340 wellness experts and thought leaders.
The three-day event, held from 7 to 9 June, pledged a transformative experience for wellness enthusiasts, practitioners, and industry leaders.
IWWCE hosted at the Sabah International Convention Centre welcomed a diverse community of participants from 24 countries. With 340 attendees, including wellness professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs, the conference served as a global platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and innovation.
The conference featured an impressive lineup of 12 distinguished speakers, each renowned in their respective fields.
Over three days, opinion leaders delved into topics ranging from holistic nutrition and mindfulness practices to sustainable wellness solutions. In addition to engaging keynote sessions, interactive Masterclasses, and panel discussions, the IWWCE presented 84 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge products, services, and technologies. From organic skincare brands to wellness retreats, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the future of holistic well-being.
IWWCE is collaborating with the Thailand Wellness Asian Summit and the Thailand Wellness Global Summit to further the agenda for holistic wellness in the region through cross-promotions of its events and partners. As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, IWWCE also seeks to give back to the local community by contributing to Befrienders Malaysia and the Sabah Autism Society.
“We are committed to improving awareness of holistic wellness and increasing the adoption of various wellness practices. Traditional knowledge is very valuable and must be preserved, but it is also important to learn new techniques and technology that can be more effective. This can be done through networking and exchanging ideas with international practitioners and experts,” said Cleopatra Lajawai, the Organizing Chairperson of IWWCE 2024.
Ten wellness pillars
The IWWCE stands out as the first event of its kind to comprehensively address all 10 Wholistic Wellness Pillars affecting human well-being and lifestyle:
1. Soul: Nurturing inner harmony and purpose. 2. Mental & Emotional Wellness: Fostering mental resilience and emotional balance. 3. Body: Prioritising physical health and vitality. 4. Auric Field & Frequencies: Exploring energy fields and vibrational healing. 5. Air: Understanding the impact of air quality on well-being. 6. Water: Harnessing the healing properties of water. 7. Food & Nutrition: Embracing nourishing and sustainable dietary choices. 8. People & Relationships: Cultivating meaningful connections. 9. Home & Workplace: Creating wellness-supportive environments. 10. Environment: Advocating for planetary health.
During the official launch by the Minister of Tourism, Culture & Environment Sabah Datuk Christina Liew emphasised the region’s commitment to promoting wellness tourism.
“Sabah’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and wellness traditions make it an ideal destination for those seeking rejuvenation and balance.”
Sabah captivates visitors with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery. Its relaxing and inviting environment has made it the ideal health tourism hub for numerous wellness facilities, which offer a wide range of traditional spa treatments and therapies and seamless consultations with trained medical professionals.
Sabah’s pristine environment, including its mountains, beaches, and waterfalls, naturally generates an abundance of negative ions. These odourless, tasteless molecules have positive effects on well-being. Negative ions attach to pathogens (such as bacteria and allergens) in the air, rendering them inert and harmless. They are thought to relieve tension and stress and promote overall health.
The European Wellness, an acclaimed international group known for cutting-edge work in stem cell therapeutics and regenerative medicine, recognises the potential in Sabah and collaborates with the state to develop holistic wellness. Together, they aim to establish Sabah as a global leader in medical tourism. This partnership plans to invest USD80 million in a biopharmaceutical manufacturing and research facility in Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park, led by esteemed scientist Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mike Chan. The collaboration intends to combine Sabah’s natural charm with European Wellness’ expertise to create a holistic wellness experience.
As the International Wholistic Wellness Conference & Exhibition unfolds in Kota Kinabalu, attendees can immerse themselves in Sabah’s natural beauty and connect with ancient traditions and modern wellness practices.
About IWWCE The International Wholistic Wellness Conference & Exhibition (IWWCE) is an annual gathering that celebrates holistic wellness, bringing together experts, practitioners, and enthusiasts worldwide. The IWWCE aims to inspire positive change in individuals and communities through collaborative learning, networking, and innovation.
SYDNEY, 10 June 2024: Singapore-based Furama Hotels International (FHI) announces the grand unveiling of Furama Darling Harbour, formerly Holiday Inn Darling Harbour.
It marks an important chapter of the group’s expansion in Australia. FHI manages more than 40 hotels, villas, and resorts with over 7,500 rooms in the Asia Pacific region.
The 370-room hotel is located in the Haymarket area which is expected to benefit from the AUD44 million revitalisation plans as well as the creation of the AUD33 billion Tech Central Innovation hub announced by the New South Wales government.
“We are proud to introduce Furama Darling Harbour as our inaugural property in Australia,” said Furama Hotels International Head of Group Operations and Sales Kent Law. “Sydney, with its rich history and dynamic atmosphere, provides an ideal setting for our brand to establish a strong presence in the Australian market.”
As part of the rebranding exercise, the hotel will also renew its lobby and restaurant spaces and introduce technology improvements such as mobile check-in/check-out, mobile TV casting, and digital key access.
SINGAPORE, 10 June 2024: Travellers looking to plan a summer getaway or book a future vacation next year can take advantage of Holland America Line’s “Summer Savings Event.”
Launch last week, the special promotion features up to 40% off cruise-only fares, free third and fourth guests when travelling in the same stateroom, onboard credits of up to USD100 per stateroom and 50% reduced deposits.
The Summer Savings Event is available on select departures from June 2024 through May 2025. It features cruises and combined back-to-back Collectors’ Voyages ranging from four to 58 days to various Holland America Line’s global destinations.
Sailings include Alaska cruises and Cruisetours, Europe, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Mexico, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, the Pacific Coast, South America, Hawaii and Panama Canal. Bookings must be made by 28 June 2024.
Sample departures
7-day Alaska Explorer on Westerdam, 25 August 2024. 14-day Northern Isles on Rotterdam, 31 August, 2024. 53-Day Majestic Japan on Westerdam, 1 September, 2024. 7-day Canada and New England Discovery on Zuiderdam, 7 September. 2024. 14-day Eastern/Western Caribbean on Nieuw Amsterdam, 10 November 2024. 10-Day Greek Antiquities: Istanbul Overnight on Oosterdam, 10 October 2024.
